Remember I said that Christmas is my favorite holiday? Well it's practically here and I can't tell you how happy that makes me! I love the whole atmosphere of the Christmas holiday. I love the smell of a freshly cut tree and the lights that grace the branches to give it just enough sparkle. I love the ornaments that hang on each branch and the sentiment they add from previous years. I love the warmth of the fireplace and the sound of wood crackling while we enjoy our apple cider and childhood Chrismas movies and the sound of laughter and conversation as we mingle with loved ones is something I always cherish.
There are lots of things I love about this time of year but my favorite is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ-Our wonderful counselor, Almighty God, Prince of peace, and Everlasting Father. The savior of a world who could not save itself.
I know there are many people out there who feel "bah humbug" because of our economic crisis this year, but not this gal! Christmas has never really been about how much I had to spend on a gift for someone or how much they spent on me.
But let's say you could have any gift on earth. Now, close your eyes and think about one gift you've always wanted. If you could have any gift what would it be?
I know what I was hoping for, but I got something even more precious.
Before I tell you what I received I have to share my favorite bible verse- "Now faith is being sure of what we've hoped for and certain of what we do not see."Hebrews 11:1
I am going to leave you hanging for a moment before I tell you what I received, because I want to tell you about a different type of gift-A Spiritual gift. Each of us as christian's possess at least one of these. I have been given the gift's of mercy and discernment.
Have I always used them to glorify God? Not always, especially when I was a younger christian. I don't think I understood quite how to use them but through growing in my relationship with Christ, I have not perfected, but I have come to a better understanding of how to use them for HIS glory. I know that a gift is something you give, and that we give without expecting anything in return, but that's not to say we can't benefit from gift giving, especially when it is out of our obedience to the holy spirit.
What I love about God is He will stir things up when you least expect it!
I had one of the most exhausting weeks since the night I went into labor with Jude. It was exhausting physically and emotionally. Stephen was out of town, we had all been sick the past few weeks, and Jude was going on week 3 with an ear infection.
I finally decided to call the doctor and make an appointment to see if there was any thing else they could give him. She said, no problem come on in.
I had been constantly praying for him and just hoping for some comfort for him as we drove to the doctor's office. As I was praying for Jude, God placed a burden on my heart to pray for a missionary friend who's mother passed away less than a year ago.
Out of my obedience to the Lord, I prayed and felt the need to just let her know, so I sent her a very short message in her facebook inbox and headed on to Jude's appt.
We saw the doctor and she gave Jude something for his ears but he was still very fussy that night, so I decided to take him for a ride and visit my grandparents. We got there and were chatting about this and that. Nothing serious, just small talk and lots of laughter...except when I got ready to leave.
All of you know my relationship with "Dad"(my grandad) is very, very special and we are very close, so you can imagine what it did to me when he said, "I would like to get a box and put a few things of mine in it so Jude will have something to remember me by." As I choked back a tidal wave of tears, I confidently said, "I would like that and don't worry, he will remember you." Now, remember I don't cry in front of anyone, so when I got Jude buckled in and reached the end of their driveway I cried like a baby!!! The thought of anything to do with my Dad not being here to see my children grow up or for me not to have his wisdom and guidance on a daily basis made me sob.
When I got home, I put some soft music on for Jude to get him settled down and put him to sleep, all the while just sobbing at the thought of all of those things about Dad. I know God was preparing me to use my gift and use it well. If any of you have mercy as a gift, then you understand how extremely deep we hurt for others. I really believe God was using this to prepare me to know how to comfort someone who was hurting over the loss of a loved one. I believe this because of what follows.
I realized Jude was asleep, put him in his bed and out of habit checked my facebook before I went to bed. I noticed I had a message in my inbox. It was from my friend. Turns out she had a really rough day and was struggling with missing her mom that day. I won't go into any detail other than to tell you that God's sovreign hand was working that day.
He allowed me to use my gift of mercy to help a friend who's family, and her are on the other side of the world. It put so much back in perspective for me to see God's hand working even though my friend and I are on opposite ends of the world right now.
It reminded me that we can't afford not to be obedient. It reminded me of how close to us God is and it reminded me that the brother and sister bond that we share in Christ, is more than the superficial relationships that we tend to be much too comfortable with.
All of this is what makes Hebrews 11:1 so special. I am confident in my faith and just as I can't see the wind only the effects of the wind; I can not see the great God I serve, but oh how I see the effects of his mighty hand.
The greatest gift I received this year came from my gift of mercy. It is a gift from my almighty, sovereign God. This gift is one that only faith can comprehend. It is greater than any tangible gift anyone on earth could give me. This gift can not be summed up in one word only to say that it is a reminder. It is God reminding my friend and me of just how much He loves us, cares for us, and that He NEVER leaves us.
Talk about a Christmas gift that will keep on giving!
Merry Chrismas everyone!!
Love for a lifetime
Monday, December 20, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
A railroader's daughter.
Ring!......... Ring!! I carefully opened one eye to peek at the clock which read 4:32 a.m. Then, I heard Stephen on the phone with his boss in the other room. It took me a minute to gain my senses, but not long because Jude must have heard the phone and he woke up crying for a bottle. I jumped up and rushed to the kitchen to fix Jude a bottle and listened to Stephen's conversation as I fed him. I gathered from the conversation that Stephen was going to have to go out of town.
Stephen was supposed to be working in Yemasse today so, I had not cooked breakfast yet or even thought about packing his lunch. I remained unrushed however, because one thing I have learned as a railroader's daughter is that you must always expect the unexpected. Railroad men work very hard and they put in very long hours. And you never, ever know when they are going to get a phone call that something needs their attention and expertise.
I admire my Daddy, Stephen and every other employee of the railroad for the work they do. I also admire the several other Wive's who stand by their railroad husbands and put in just as many long hours in the home.
As soon as I fed Jude and layed him back down, I headed back to the kitchen to prepare Stephen's meals for the day and get him ready to head out the door. Which was going to be heading out in 22 degree weather, by the way.
While I was preparing everything, I started to remember Daddy's early years on the Railroad. I remembered myself being a teenager and hearing his phone ring at 1,2, or 3 a.m. and I would just roll over and go back to sleep after it stopped ringing.
I was thinking how, as a teenager, I probably would have grumbled or complained if I couldn't have gone back to sleep, but not now. I consider it an honor to serve my husband at 2,3, and in today's case, 4a.m.
I consider it an honor, because I am thankful for a husband who provides for his family. I am thankful that he has a great job and that even though he works long, stressful hours, I know that we will be well taken care of.
"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people."Colossians 3:23
This is such and important verse in the life of a believer.What's just as important is the verses that preceed it. I love the whole chapter of Colossians 3, but verses 18-25 are such helpful verses for us as a family. Paul gives us plain instructions on how a christian household should be run.
I took these verses from the message bible for a better understanding of what they mean:
Colossians 3:18-25
18Wives, understand and support your husbands by submitting to them in ways that honor the Master.
19Husbands, go all out in love for your wives. Don't take advantage of them.
20Children, do what your parents tell you. This delights the Master no end.
21Parents, don't come down too hard on your children or you'll crush their spirits.
22-25Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work.
These verses are such an encouragement to me as a wife, mother, and follower of Jesus Christ. The most important thing is for Stephen and me to pass these verses down to our children, not just by telling them but by showing them.
I'm so grateful to God for preparing me as a teenager to understand the work that Stephen is doing now. All those years of watching my Daddy work faithfully for the Railroad helps me to understand and know how to come alongside and encourage Stephen.
I don't want it to stop there. I want Ellie Kate to learn this principle whether she marry's a railroader or someone with a different occupation.
I want Jude to learn this because one day he will be providing for his own family.
These principles are so, so crucial in our work ethic because, afterall, we are not doing this work for others. The work we do is for the one, true Master-Jesus Christ.
Stephen was supposed to be working in Yemasse today so, I had not cooked breakfast yet or even thought about packing his lunch. I remained unrushed however, because one thing I have learned as a railroader's daughter is that you must always expect the unexpected. Railroad men work very hard and they put in very long hours. And you never, ever know when they are going to get a phone call that something needs their attention and expertise.
I admire my Daddy, Stephen and every other employee of the railroad for the work they do. I also admire the several other Wive's who stand by their railroad husbands and put in just as many long hours in the home.
As soon as I fed Jude and layed him back down, I headed back to the kitchen to prepare Stephen's meals for the day and get him ready to head out the door. Which was going to be heading out in 22 degree weather, by the way.
While I was preparing everything, I started to remember Daddy's early years on the Railroad. I remembered myself being a teenager and hearing his phone ring at 1,2, or 3 a.m. and I would just roll over and go back to sleep after it stopped ringing.
I was thinking how, as a teenager, I probably would have grumbled or complained if I couldn't have gone back to sleep, but not now. I consider it an honor to serve my husband at 2,3, and in today's case, 4a.m.
I consider it an honor, because I am thankful for a husband who provides for his family. I am thankful that he has a great job and that even though he works long, stressful hours, I know that we will be well taken care of.
"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people."Colossians 3:23
This is such and important verse in the life of a believer.What's just as important is the verses that preceed it. I love the whole chapter of Colossians 3, but verses 18-25 are such helpful verses for us as a family. Paul gives us plain instructions on how a christian household should be run.
I took these verses from the message bible for a better understanding of what they mean:
Colossians 3:18-25
18Wives, understand and support your husbands by submitting to them in ways that honor the Master.
19Husbands, go all out in love for your wives. Don't take advantage of them.
20Children, do what your parents tell you. This delights the Master no end.
21Parents, don't come down too hard on your children or you'll crush their spirits.
22-25Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work.
These verses are such an encouragement to me as a wife, mother, and follower of Jesus Christ. The most important thing is for Stephen and me to pass these verses down to our children, not just by telling them but by showing them.
I'm so grateful to God for preparing me as a teenager to understand the work that Stephen is doing now. All those years of watching my Daddy work faithfully for the Railroad helps me to understand and know how to come alongside and encourage Stephen.
I don't want it to stop there. I want Ellie Kate to learn this principle whether she marry's a railroader or someone with a different occupation.
I want Jude to learn this because one day he will be providing for his own family.
These principles are so, so crucial in our work ethic because, afterall, we are not doing this work for others. The work we do is for the one, true Master-Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Happy Birthday, Dear Courtney.....
Happy Birthday to you!
Courtney,
I can't believe that today you turn 16! I was thinking about how fast the years have gone by, since the first time you came to visit me at my new apartment in Anderson. That was the best week ever and I'm so glad your mom let you miss school those two days:)))
I can think of so many great "adventures" we have had.....some just you and I, but especially the one's during our "family dates"! We share so many fun memories and I will always think of those and smile, but mostly laugh because they were always eventful, and unique to say the least!
I want to tell you that I love you and I am so proud of you! You are the best cousin ever; a great shopping partner, you always make me laugh, and my children adore you! You are fun to hang out with and definitely a free spirit! You are alot of things to me and I am thankful for you:)
Oh and you know I am going to leave you with a bible verse! Well, in this case several:)
Proverbs 3:1-18(The Message)
Happy Birthday Courtney, I love you!
Courtney,
I can't believe that today you turn 16! I was thinking about how fast the years have gone by, since the first time you came to visit me at my new apartment in Anderson. That was the best week ever and I'm so glad your mom let you miss school those two days:)))
I can think of so many great "adventures" we have had.....some just you and I, but especially the one's during our "family dates"! We share so many fun memories and I will always think of those and smile, but mostly laugh because they were always eventful, and unique to say the least!
I want to tell you that I love you and I am so proud of you! You are the best cousin ever; a great shopping partner, you always make me laugh, and my children adore you! You are fun to hang out with and definitely a free spirit! You are alot of things to me and I am thankful for you:)
Oh and you know I am going to leave you with a bible verse! Well, in this case several:)
Proverbs 3:1-18(The Message)
1-2 Good friend, don't forget all I've taught you; take to heart my commands.
They'll help you live a long, long time,
a long life lived full and well.
3-4 Don't lose your grip on Love and Loyalty.
Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart.
Earn a reputation for living well
in God's eyes and the eyes of the people.
5-12 Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
your wine vats will brim over.
But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline;
don't sulk under his loving correction.
It's the child he loves that God corrects;
a father's delight is behind all this.
They'll help you live a long, long time,
a long life lived full and well.
3-4 Don't lose your grip on Love and Loyalty.
Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart.
Earn a reputation for living well
in God's eyes and the eyes of the people.
5-12 Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
your wine vats will brim over.
But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline;
don't sulk under his loving correction.
It's the child he loves that God corrects;
a father's delight is behind all this.
13-18 You're blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom,
when you make friends with Madame Insight.
She's worth far more than money in the bank;
her friendship is better than a big salary.
Her value exceeds all the trappings of wealth;
nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.
With one hand she gives long life,
with the other she confers recognition.
Her manner is beautiful,
her life wonderfully complete.
She's the very Tree of Life to those who embrace her.
Hold her tight—and be blessed!
when you make friends with Madame Insight.
She's worth far more than money in the bank;
her friendship is better than a big salary.
Her value exceeds all the trappings of wealth;
nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.
With one hand she gives long life,
with the other she confers recognition.
Her manner is beautiful,
her life wonderfully complete.
She's the very Tree of Life to those who embrace her.
Hold her tight—and be blessed!
Happy Birthday Courtney, I love you!
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